News Thread [Kylaris|Canon|IC]

by **Senkaku** » Wed Aug 16, 2017 9:13 pm

STRAITS TIMES

Silent Crisis: Carcosa's Housing Market
365 Via Alexandria Penthouse Goes for Record €286M While Urban Poor Live in Cages

Hanno Awtani(@xky_16 )
15 August 2017 08:00 | Ward 16, Carcosa

365 Via Alexandria rises above the city skyline in the evening.
Photo courtesy of @yellow_city_pics on Instagram.

Ward 16, Lower Marian, Carcosa -

The penthouse suite of 365 Via Alexandria, one of Carcosa's newest, tallest, and most luxurious apartment buildings, has sold for an eye-popping €286,550,000 to an unnamed buyer, according to reports today, as its previous owner, reality TV star Sofia al-Fersan, has apparently been forced to sell the penthouse to meet demands from a number of creditors after the implosion of her makeup brand. While the implications of this new liquidity for Ms. al-Fersan are unclear, the sale clearly marks perhaps the most extreme incident yet of Carcosa's out-of-control housing prices, brought on by a desperate shortage for land and high demand. Other apartments in the building have reportedly been going for north of €20,000,000, and its developers successfully used a number of intricate legal loopholes to circumvent rent control regulations on a certain percentage of its units, threatening the Carcosa Housing Authority with lawsuits when regulators seemed to threaten the building's construction. With several top officials facing corruption charges, and the Senate pondering cutting the CHA's funding over its seeming inefficacy in the face of growing housing problems, regulators backed down from the threat of legal action.

Ironically, some of the CHA regulators accused of corruption may have been involved in the market surrounding the the dark opposite to Ms. al-Fersan's spacious multi-million dollar penthouse- the infamous "cage apartments", whose existence began to be documented by the Straits Times and other outlets in 2014. While apartments in upscale developments like 365 Via Alexandria sell for millions of dollars, some unscrupulous landlords have made fortunes by cramming normal-sized units in quickly-constructed high-rises with cages or compartments, and charging Carcosa's working poor steep rents to live in these cages, which are rarely larger than a king-sized bed and often leave the tenant no room even to stand so that other such horrifying housing can be stacked on top.

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by **Caltarania** » Fri Aug 18, 2017 7:44 am

"IMPERIALIST AGGRESSION CANNOT GO UNANSWERED"
Premier Llyrpuld Lylith announces increased support for Mariranan rebels; denounces Avery's treatment of country as "military testing ground".

Eylgylr Eylgkywil Iykhel (@Mr.Eylgkywil)
18 August 2017 | Lyrath, Althira

In a speech to the All-Union Assembly today, the Premier announced that "enough was enough".
Photo courtesy of the Ylyath Llyr Photography Department.

LYRATH, ALTHIRA -

Close to a year after Asterian forces first stepped foot on Mariranan soil, the Premier has once again issued a statement of total support for the Mariranan guerrilla groups in the All-Union Assembly.

She announced the increased support for the rebels in a speech delivered to gathered deputies in the All-Union Assembly building in Lyrath. There, she issued a scathing indictment pertaining to the actions of the Asterian armed forces, the Marinaran government and right-wing paramilitaries operating in the country. Of the Asterian forces, she claimed that the "obvious violation of Marinaran sovereignty" was enough to cause concern, but the fact that it was "undertaken without CN permission" made it an "incredibly disingenuous" action. The Premier went on to exclaim that "the full scale of JDF actions in the country", revealed by the recently-released Citadel reports, "should prove to all good members of the international community that enough is enough. They should understand that we, cannot with good conscience, allow for Asterian imperialist aggression to go unanswered".

It was at this point in the address that the Premier announced increased support for the left-wing guerrilla groups in the country. "We cannot allow for our allies and comrades in arms to suffer under the boot of Asterian imperialism" the Premier said, to great applause. "The Federation's actions in Marinara cannot go unanswered" she said. "If Asteria is to bomb innocent civilians and force them to take up arms against their unjust puppet regime, then we will have no choice but to stand with the oppressed and hopeless." she added. "So it is with a heavy heart that I will today announce not only increased support for our allies in the 26 May Movement and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Indigenous Peoples, but also that I invite the good folk of the Red Army to the table for negotiations in regards to forming a united front against Asterian imperialism."

The Premier ended her speech with a chilling warning to the Asterians, and President Avery. "We have made our actions known, because we act in the interest of the international community." she said. "I would ask for the Asterians to act in that same interest, and pull out of Marinara." she added. "And I would hope that they do. I truly do hope this. But if they do not - if they continue to use Marinara as a military testing ground to the detriment of it's citizens - then we will have to act with greater force, greater fury and greater arms." she said.

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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Fri Aug 18, 2017 9:16 am

EX-FMP LEADER DEFIANT AMID JUSTICE MINISTRY INVESTIGATION
Saorla Ní Chadhla alleged she was being "personally targeted" by the O'Reilly government

James Kelley (@jkelleygbf)
^{18 August 2017 | Spálgleann, Glytter}

Saorla Ní Chadhla, FMP leader from September 2016 to June 2017, publicly denied leaking classified information.

SPÁLGLEANN – Just over one week after the Ministry of Justice and Equality announced it would be reopening investigations into two former leaders of the Free Market Party, ex-leader Saorla Ní Chadhla denounced the investigation as "relation" and a "witch hunt".

The ex-leader, who headed the party from September 2016 to June 2017, said she was "absolutely horrified" by the "overt political payback" while being interviewed on COXX News this morning, her first such interview since resigning as FMP leader.

"This is quite frankly a disgrace. This is clear retaliation. I am being punished for making obvious connections that somehow our own intelligence community failed to make. This is a witch hunt, and I will not stand for it. I did not leak any classified information. I did not have any classified information. I made an observation and spoke my mind" she said.

Ms. Ní Chadhla made her comments as the Justice Ministry is reviewing whether or not she leaked classified information to the press when she alleged the government of Songguo orchestrated the 23 August attacks.

The ex-leader, who resigned after the FMP's lost over third seats in the June election, alleged that the Songhua government planned and executed the attacks in order to distract the Northern Hemisphere from its intervention in the Siamati Conflict. A leak soon after her claims were made appeared to confirm the government's intelligence agencies also believed that Songhua foreign intelligence service, the MSJ, was behind the attacks.

The findings of the Higgins-Fitzwallace Commission, whose first bi-monthly report covered the role of the Songhua government in the 23 August attacks, indicate that it was no the Songhua government but a rogue cell of MSJ agents who aided the MRF in carrying out the attacks.

The Ministry announced it would be reopening its investigations into Ms. Ní Chadhla and her predecessor, Pádraigín Ó Baoighill, last Thursday.

Many were surprised that a case regarding Ms. Ní Chadhla was being re-opened, as the Justice Ministry had never before confirmed such a case existed.

"It was a sensitive political time when the case was first opened" a spokesperson for the Ministry said last week.

Ms. Ní Chadhla said the nature of the initial investigation confirmed the government was conducting political retribution and not an honest investigation.

"If they were so concerned about the perception of a party leader and potential criminal charges against one during a general election, they never should have investigated me in the first place" she said.

Since she resigned after the FMP lost 32 of its seats in the Comhthionól Náisiúnta on 12 June, Ms. Ní Chadhla has maintained a relatively low profile in comparison to the often chaotic and controversial one she maintained while serving as head of the party.

Her COXX News interview was her first such interview since her resignation. While on air she declined to talk about her party's performance in the election or her legacy as party leader.

A lawyer for Pádraigín Ó Baoighil, who served as party leader from 2009 to 2016, said that Ms. Ó Baoighil would "cooperate with law enforcement and the [Justice] Ministry" but added that his client did not violate any laws and is therefore innocent.

However, prominent legal experts believe this may be a legal grey area and that there is a real chance Ms. Ó Baoighill could face cares.

"It doesn't look good" Rudi Shultz-MacCarthy, a top legal scholar at the University of Gayneva, believes.

"There is a real chance that [Ó Baoighill] could face charges, and potentially a prison sentence" he said.

The investigation into comments made by Ms. Ó Baoighill in the wake of the 23 August attacks last summer was initially suspended by ex-Minister of Justice and current Taoiseach Jimmy O'Reilly. It dealt with a series of statements made by the ex-party leader on 23 August 2016. The ex-leader, who resigned over her remarks, was quick to blame the attacks on Salamist extremists and called for legislative action against Salam and Mumins. Many have blamed her for inciting violent anti-Salam riots which broke out in the city of Bulfawst.

Less than thirty minutes after the attacks began, Ms. Ó Baoighill called into COXX News' coverage and blamed "Salamic barbarians who wish to destroy our nation and our values" for the attacks which saw 87 people killed and left 432 were wounded. Around thirty minutes after her phone interview, anti-Salam protests began in Bulfawst. The protests were led by local FMP party leaders and elected officials. Soon after the protests began, she tweeted that Walker is a "traitor to the Ghallish people".

Two hours after the attacks began she called into COXX News again. Ms. Ó Baoighill alleged that a police raid on an apartment in the "leading Salamic district" of the capital was evidence confirmation that the attacks were carried out by Salamic terrorists. She then called for the deportation of all Mumins from Glytter and urges her supporters to take to the streets nationwide.

"We cannot and will not let them destroy our country" she said on the air.

Less than ten minutes after her call to arms the anti-Salam protests in Bulfawst turned violent when protesters tried to storm a Mosque. The riots left one officer is in critical condition as anti-Salam protesters clashed with police. Hundreds were arrested before the violence subsided. Among the arrests made was FMP Bulfwast City Councilman Conán Ó Cadhla, the face of the party in the city.

The attacks were in fact carried out by the Mohrist Revolutionary Front, a left-wing extremist group with ties to the Socialist Revolutionary Front.

A joint statement was released by all major parties serving in the Comhthionól Náisiúnta, with the exception of the FMP, that denounced the violence in Bulfawst. It also said that leaders should "not play into fear".

Critics said that the lack of inaction from Ms. Ó Baoighill and the FMP was evidence that she incited violence. However, then Justice Minister O'Reilly said it was best to put the issue to rest following Ms. Ó Baoighill's resignation.

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by **Vredlandia** » Fri Aug 18, 2017 1:42 pm

Seneschal Kloth Fights Back: Grunwald's Vredlandia can never be a Euclean Vredlandia

Anton Graf Flottreiter (@grafflottreiter)
18th of August, 2017 | Eldburg, Vredlandia

Minister of Defence Grunwald
Photograph courtesy of Johan Merse

Eldburg, Vredlandia - Seneschal Kloth has taken the fight about the reform bill to a new level, attacking one of his rogue Cabinet Ministers by name. Minister of Defence Grunwald's vision for a reform would not allow Vredlandia to join a Euclean Community in the near future. Grunwald hit back, revealing the bitter divide in the Cabinet.

Seneschal Raivo Kloth has some difficult days and weeks behind him. His reform bill, a project he declared to be his highest priority, failed in the National Assembly and is set to fail at a referendum next month. Half of his Cabinet has gone rogue and is openly revolting his vision, the other simply doesn't have enough time to come on all the shows to defend their leader. For a while one could wonder whether Kloth was still an active member of the government, but now he took back control over the news cycle by ruthlessly lashing out at his rogue Minister of Defence Franz Grunwald and Grunwald's allies, accusing them of naive behaviour and wrong policy.

Speaking before Eldburg media, Kloth said that Vredlandia would seriously need to be reformed if it ever wanted to join the Euclean Community. "On the long run as well as the short run, we could greatly benefit from the advantages of the Euclean Community, who far outweigh the disadvantages. I'm not advocating for an entry now, but it will be discussed in the future. And Franz Grunwald's Vredlandia can never be a Euclean Vredlandia. That much is clear to anyone with a bit of understanding of the EC."

Seneschal Kloth also accused the other side of lacking visions. "They want to vote against our reform bill, but where does that leave us? Without a vision, without any strategy for our Vredlandian future. That is naive and wrong on all levels." He told journalists that Vredlandia would be facing very tough challenges sooner than later, and it would be best to deal with them before it's too late. [Ed.: Grunwald has actually announced to work on an own bill in case Kloth's would fail.]

Grunwald, who is abroad for a number of visits currently, didn't wait long to reply to the Seneschal. "Vredlandia shall never surrender its sovereignty to Kesselbourg, that would be unconstitutional, their system stands against our values and our faith. This Euclean debate is merely a distraction from our - Vredlandian - debate about the reform bill and what it means for the lives of our citizens. Looking at recent surveys, I think the Seneschal would be wiser to try to convince Vredlandians of his reform bill. I remain unconvinced."

Asked about Seneschal Kloth's comments, Minister of Agriculture and Grunwald-ally Carl Woywod said "If you have visions, you should see a doctor."

The referendum will be held next month. Predicitions say that a landslide defeat for the reform bill is incoming.

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by **Alinora** » Sat Aug 19, 2017 12:37 am

ALTHIRA PLEDGES SUPPORT TO MARIRANAN INSURGENTS
Premier Llyrpuld Lylith announces "increased support" for Mariranan insurgents amidst escalation of conflict in the country

Erin McKinley (@ErinMcKinley)
August 19th 2017| Freeminster, Federation

President Avery speaking during a Press Conference at the State House
Photo courtesy of Samantha Paul

State House, Columbia, Federation -

In an address to an All-Union Assembly, Althiran Premier Llyrpuld Lylith has pledged her nation's support to left-wing insurgents in Marirana - an action that has rattled the Federal Government, and pushed President Avery to make a response. The Premier made many points during her address, claiming that the Federation has been treating Marirana as a "military testing ground", and that Federal military intervention in the region is a a display of "Asterian Imperialism." The Premier claimed that the Federation's actions were an "obvious violation of Mariranan sovereignty"- citing the fact that intervention was "undertaken without CN permission", making it an "incredibly disingenuous" action. She cited declassified Citadel reports, saying that they "should prove to all good members of the international community that enough is enough. They should understand that we, cannot with good conscience, allow for Asterian imperialist aggression to go unanswered".

The Premier would go on to offer her country's support for left-wing insurgent groups - namely the Red Army, the largest and most powerful insurgent organization and Marirana, and a key part of the country's drug trade. "We cannot allow for our allies and comrades in arms to suffer under the boot of Asterian imperialism. The Federation's actions in Marinara cannot go unanswered. If Asteria is to bomb innocent civilians and force them to take up arms against their unjust puppet regime, then we will have no choice but to stand with the oppressed and hopeless." She would go on to add, "So it is with a heavy heart that I will today announce not only increased support for our allies in the 26 May Movement and the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Indigenous Peoples, but also that I invite the good folk of the Red Army to the table for negotiations in regards to forming a united front against Asterian imperialism."

Shortly after, the Premier would demand that the Federation pull out of Marirana. "We have made our actions known, because we act in the interest of the international community." she said. "I would ask for the Asterians to act in that same interest, and pull out of Marinara." She woul dadd, "And I would hope that they do. I truly do hope this. But if they do not - if they continue to use Marinara as a military testing ground to the detriment of it's citizens - then we will have to act with greater force, greater fury and greater arms."

This morning, President Avery would appear before members of the Press after an assembly with his Cabinet and Joint Chiefs of Staff with a response to the Althiran Premier.

"Let's set the record straight" Avery began, "we are not facing freedom fighters. We are not facing an ethnic minority suffering from oppression. In fact, we aren't fighting a single enemy at all." He would add that "the Federation's, and indeed the greater JDF's involvement in Marirana is to accomplish a vital goal: to secure a better future for the Mariranan people- an indeed for Asterians, and Roessans as well."

"The enemies we face span across the political spectrum - this is not a matter of political beliefs. This is a matter of Humanitarianism - a matter of destroying a nearly $300 billion dollar industry that capitalizes off of the suffering of our fellow Man. The production of cocaine and opioid-based drugs lies within Marirana, and the influence of the Cartels that have grown from the profitability of these drugs has not only torn the people of Marirana into fear and poverty, but has caused an epidemic has been allowed to ravage all corners of the globe. Every day, hundreds of people die from the drugs manufactured in Marirana - and a great many of them are our fellow Asterians. We cannot allow this to happen anymore." President Avery would continue. "Children being worked to death in mines to supply these Cartels with the ingredients needed to keep their business afloat, fathers being kidnapped and murdered for stepping out of line, women being turned into sex slaves for these criminals, and young men joining the ranks of these horrible organizations simply because it's the only way to keep food on the table for their families - this is the reality we face, and it's the reality that our brave soldiers and our allies face every day in Marirana."

President Avery would then speak on Althira. "Make no mistake, it's no coincidence that Althira jumps to support the leftist movements in Marirana just as it become apparent that the Red Army, the largest left-wing group in the country, is losing ground, and it's cocaine enterprise begins collapsing. The Premier may hide behind this false idea of 'Asterian Imperialism', but we know the truth." He would then speak to the Premier directly. "And I feel obligated to say to the Premier, these are not freedom fighters you are supporting - they're criminals, opportunists, and murderers. They're no different than they're right-wing counterparts, and while Althira may jump to support the side that best supports their agenda, the Federation will not allow itself to be biased in this endeavor. The Cartels, the Red Army - all groups Left and Right - will meet nothing short of unrelenting destruction. The industry they have built, which has drained the life blood of Marirana and spread through the Asterias like a plague, will be toppled."

"If Althira has the audacity to step in and assist these... murdering drug dealers, then the Federation will have no choice but to defend our ally with our full power, and capabilities." He would add, "this is a matter of securing a better future for the people of Marirana, and by extent, of Asteria, and we will use every resource at our disposal to ensure that no foreign power can interfere in this. And so, I have only two final words for the Premier: back off."

President Avery refused to take questions following the address, but the message was clear: if Althira attempts to intervene, or support the Insurgents in Marirana, their efforts will be stopped. While bold, some already question if it's a good idea to "provoke" Althira - Senator Minority Leader Bryan Fawks (L) making a comment on the President's address: "The Federation and Althira are two nations with tremendous egos - I'm afraid this will only lead us to butt heads, which could develop into confrontation." Others praise the President for "maintaining Asteria's backbone, and standing up to Althira." With the War in Marirana only escalating, only time will tell what happens next - if Althira will live up to their promise to support the Red Army, or back down.

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by **Legatia** » Sat Aug 19, 2017 8:57 am

BREAKING:
NEMATSUJIN MARITIME SERVICE PERFORMS NRW-14 ANTI-BALLISTIC MISSILE TEST
Armed forces alert level elevated to Level 4 as diplomatic tensions rise

Mizuki Arata @Mizu_A
18/08/17 09:00 |Yamato, Nematsu

NMS destroyer Fubuki launching a NRW-14 anti-ballistic missile in response to the Songhuan military test. The test-firing of the
Bei Feng missile was widely unexpected, and has seen wide condemnation from the Nematusjin government.
Photo courtesy of Nematsujin Maritime Service

BAY OF BASURHAT-
In response to an incredibly sudden and provoked missile test by the Songhuan military, the Nematsujin naval forces performed a test of the NRW-14 anti-ballistic missile system early this morning, mere hours after the splashdown of the Songhuan missile. Launching from Carrier Battle Group 1's guided missile destroyer Fubuki, the missile was fired on a path that would have intercepted the missile if it was still in flight, before splashing down into the sea off of the coast of Songgou.

Speaking to a press conference within Yamato Naval District, Fleet Admiral Yasudo Kei addressed the missile launch as "incredibly successful."

"The [NRW-14]'s test this morning was admirable and incredibly successful." Yasudo said. "It should serve as a warning to any of those who try to threaten our people with missiles."

The Naval Response Weapon type 14 is an anti-ballistic missile designed to be launched from guided missile destroyers, cruisers, and submarines. It is considered the "first shield" of Nematsu's ballistic missile defense program, being supplemented by land-based interceptors stationed around strategic and metropolitan areas. Despite this not being its first test, the Ministry of Defense put out in a statement that "the timeframe of the launch and the specific mission requirements put upon the missile, coupled with its performance, go to show its effectiveness."

In another shocking move, Nematsu has closed its embassy to Songgou, the Imperial Guard stationed there remaining on site but the embassy itself becoming locked down. Foreign Minister Atsuyo Miyaki, in an interview with a Teien broadcasting station, explained this move.

"Nematsu is not willing to offer diplomacy and 'level-headed conduct' when there are active threats to its land and to its people. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has put forth a motion to the Diet Comittee on Foreign Affairs on further actions regarding the embassy with Songgou that are as severe as halting diplomatic contact for the time being until the situation resolves itself."

In the seas to the east, Nematsujin naval assets are remaining on station for the next two weeks before they resume normal port activities. Measures have been mentioned to perform training exercises with army forces, but no further escalations have been made.

"We will stand by our word. Force will be met with force, and we will never back down in the face of threats. We will not bow again."

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Sat Aug 19, 2017 9:07 am

LEVESQUE: "THE CONFLICT IN MARIRANA MUST COME TO AN END."
Levesque vouches for the EC to serve as a 'peaceful mediator' between both sides of the conflict.

Antoinette Giourd (@agiourd)
^{19 August, 2017| Verlois, Gaullica}

Alexandre Levesque, amidst a press conference in Kesselbourg.
Photo courtesy of Joanna Demarq

Kesselbourg City, Kesselbourg -

Following the increase in tensions between Athira and Asteria over the conflict in Marirana, where Premier Llyrpuld Lylith announced "increased support" for Marirana insurgents - only to be given a rebuttal from the Asterian President Avery - the Euclean Community's president, Alexandre Levesque, has called for a "peaceful resolution" to the conflict to "slay the demons mentioned by President Avery with words and agreements, not bullets and bombs." The conferences comes after an increased potential in a call to arms from both Althira and Asteria, over disputes on the nature of the respective involvement in the crisis in Mariana. Asteria remains committed to rooting out the insurgents, whilst Althira dismisses their claims as 'imperialistic' and sights hypocrisy and lies in the Federation's involvement.

Because of this, Levesque has suggested that the Euclean Community can "act as a peaceful, third-party, mediator to bring about a swift resolution to the conflict through a diplomatic field. It would encompass the Mariranan government, the Federation and the insurgents. We understand that these 'insurgents' are being portrayed as murderers and criminals, people who profit on human misery, but we must also understand that, as President Avery highlighted, many are in these organisations as solely a way to make money for their families. These people, pushed to desperation, do not deserve to be on the sights of an Asterian soldier. Nor do the Asterian soldiers deserve to be the killers of young men because of the nefarious deeds of some cartels and paramilitaries."

Carolina Dykstra, Euclean Presidential hopeful, has criticised the move on the grounds that "the information we receive on the insurgents is biased and emotive in nature. The Asterians paint a picture of these people as different, as has always been done, to justify to soldiers, to their civilians, to the international community that they have the moral high-ground. A peaceful resolution is optimal, but one in which Asteria gets to make demands on the negotiating table is not an optimal one."

Alexis Walker, the former Taoiseach of Glytter and ELP candidate in the ongoing Euclean presidential race, raised concerns over civilian fatalities and said that "further insurgency and counter-insurgency only increased the chances that more innocent people will be killed". She backed President Levesque's suggestion that the EC could act as a mediator. "Through diplomacy the EC can work with our global partners give sure this bloodshed comes to an end".

Their different approaches to this debacle show the polarised attitudes that the presidential race can bring out; and their handling and opinions on this could be a game-changer for October.

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by **Elepis** » Sat Aug 19, 2017 3:04 pm

Military parades and celebrations mark 49th anniversary of the August Revolution
Susa hosts military parades as local events are organised across the country to celebrate the overthrow of the Shah

Parima Chhibber
(@pchhibber)
^{19th of August 2017 | Susa, Fars}

Senoulliacn made Farsi S-19T Rapace fighter jet performs above Susa during parade
Photo courtesy Bashir Arsaces

Susa, Fars-

Marking 49 years to the day that the last Shahanshah of Fars, Shah Farvad Mahvar Gurham, fled in to exile from Fars, the Farsi military has rolled out it's annual military parades in it's typical bellicose fashion. Security has been stepped up markedly around the parade following this year's devastating April terrorist attacks in Susa in which almost thirty people were killed and scores more, including former Premier Charles Hammond, were injured. 9,600 soldiers have taken part in the parade from all branches of the military and reserves, making up 0.6% of the Farsi military's total personnel size of 1.6 million men along with two hundred items of weaponry including newly produced tanks and self-propelled howitzers and fifty war planes.

Speaking from the balcony of the National Assembly overlooking Azadi Square where the parade was held, Premier Pasha Alavi spoke to a crowd which included numerous foreign delegations including ambassadors from Glytter, Gaullica, Songguo and Hyndana stating that "The planned reduction of the Farsi military, by reducing numbers by 600,000 men from it's previous high of over 2 million, is almost complete with most of these reductions coming from our reserve forces. These cut's will represent large scale savings which can then be re-invested in training and equipment for our loyal armed forces. This will allow our military to continue to protect Fars from a full spectrum of threats, and is properly adapted to fight a modern, high tech war."

The Premier then went on to thank the allies and partners of Fars including the members of the Coian League, Hyndana and Phula, and the non-CL states of Senoulliac, Vredlandia and Valentir among others for their continued support and friendship. With an estimated total of 1.6-1.7 million soldiers, including reserves and paramilitaries, Fars maintains what is thought to be the fourth largest fighting force in Coius.

The parade began immediately after the Premier finished speaking, lead by detachment of Pasdaran, known in the Northern press as Revolutionary Guard, fighters who the Premier had previously hailed as "At the forefront of our quest to protect the Izadic ideals of the Farsi revolution." The Pasdaran are often seen as the elite fighting force of Fars, and have benefited the most from the current modernisation programmes, they are formally tasked with protect the ideals of the revolution but also act as an expeditionary force in Fars's wars with 15,000 Pasdaran fighters having been sent to fight in the 1988-1993 Darshistan Civil War. The Pasdaran maintains a fighting force of 100,000 men with a third of them being a part of the so-called "Expeditionary Corps". Premier Alavi himself fought as a soldier in the Pasdaran and saw action in the Darshistan war as a major in the corps.

Following the Pasdaran came the contingents from the 500,000 strong Farsi People's Army which makes up the bulk of the regular Farsi forces, for the parade most of the troops came from the quieter Western Command and the Northern Command which surrounds - but does not include - the capital of Susa. Until the modernisation programme began in the late 1990s and early 2000s the Farsi army was mainly equipped with imported older weapons from the 1960s and 1970s however with considerable investment from the Farsi government and outside nations like Hyndana, Senoulliac, Valentir and Vredlandia many of these have been replaced by domestically produced modern weapons (although many older vehicles such as the Asterian M60 and Wazovian Type 76 tanks remain in service). Examples of these, including the Raad-2 155mm howitzer and Fateh-1 short range ballistic missile were on display today in columns which followed the infantry contingent.

The Farsi People's Air Force also flew a display team overhead following the march of the army which included modernised S-19T Rapace multirole fighters, older F-4 Azarakhsh fighter-bombers brought from Asteria by the Shah prior to the revolution the parades commemorated, and the newly made Saeqeh-99 light attack planes, examples of which have been recently sold to Songguo, Kigomba, Marirana and Darshistan. Simultaneously the Farsi navy also held smaller drills off the coast of Susa, firing a salute with naval guns to mark the point at which the Shah's private jet left Farsi soil.

Following this display, there was also a smaller march featuring men from the paramilitary National Gendarmerie military police force and the civilian Nazmiyeh police force in dress uniform. Following the conclusion of the parades a two minute's silence was held in which all non-essential traffic in Susa was brought to a halt to commemorate the 780 people killed by the Shah's security services during the August Revolution, the thousands executed in prisons by the Shah's secret police during the latter years of the Gurham dynasty and the dozens killed during the April terror attacks in Susa.

This was followed up with a diplomatic dinner hosted in the Ali-Qapu Premier's Palace in which Mr. Alavi hosted a number of high level delegates including the Britur Adica iben Eiza of Bokela, Imer de Faros; the foreign minister of Satucin; the Rhakhese National Councillor of Diplomacy, Aatarlaas Sakhitela; the foreign minister of Valentir; the foreign minister of Songguo as well as the Emperor of the Hyndanan Confederacy attended by prices from the states bordering Fars that have Mazdaic majorities. Foreign Minister Cyrus Nozarinasab has touted this gathering as a show of international support and solidarity for Fars, showing the clout that Fars holds as one of the key economic and military players in the south Coius region, however some critics have said the lack of delegates from Althira, Negara and Denikert show the polarisation of global geopolitics and the extent of Fars's alignment to a certain set of powers.

Outside of Susa, almost every Farsi town and city has held local celebrations to commemorate the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of the Federation of Fars, city governments have organised special exhibitions and communal lunches in the city squares to showcase the solidarity the spirit of the revolution brings. The largest of these local events was held in the city of Khonj, the capital of the easterly Alherd Province. Khonj was the favoured city of the Gurham Dynasty where they spent much of their summers on their numerous palatial residences and Khonj airport was the last spot of Farsi soil on which the former Shah walked before jetting off in his private plane to exile in Euclea exactly 49 years ago today.

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by **Valentir** » Sat Aug 19, 2017 3:21 pm

COALITION PASSES DIADEM ACT IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY
Controversial reform bill passes in both houses of parliament despite opposition from the Gov't benches

Caitlyn Grayson (@cgrayson)
^{19 August 2017 | Valema, Valentir}

Home Minister Martin de Michel worked closely with members on both sides of the aisle in order to draft and secure the bill's passage
Photo courtesy of Jean-Marc Cotillard

Valema, Valentir -

After nearly three weeks of deliberations in Parliament, the Dynamic Integrated Assessment and Defence Enforcement Measurements Act, or DIADEM, has been passed in both the Senate and Assembly. The bill, which will drastically increase the size and power of the Federal Government and add nearly £5 billion in new expenses to the federal budget (2017 - 2018), was passed by razor-thin margins in both houses, the bill's fate being decided by just one vote, in both chambers.

The Montsimmard bombings and the lackluster response from emergency and intelligence services in the aftermath prompted calls for the Home Office, the ministry responsible for national security and law, to be reformed and expanded. With support from members of both sides of aisle, Home Minister Martin de Michel worked with MAs from all parties to draft a bill. While originally focused on the Home Office, the bill was augmented to reform the entirety of the federal government, reforming every federal ministry and amending the Federal Governance Act of 1987.

The bill would also give the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) the power to collect intelligence on Valentiri citizens overseas, as well as expand the current powers of the Valentiri Security Intelligence Organisation to hack into public computers and modify them.

Both agencies would also be given the right to use surveillance on individuals and entities suspected of being a threat to national security. New "Enhanced Surveillance Procedures" would also decrease the amount of oversight required when responding to terrorist attacks.

DIADEM would also see sweeping changes in regards to national guidelines and protocols concerning terrorist attacks. Drafted by the Valentiri Counter Terrorism Committee, they would be rolled out nationwide and enforced in both public and private venues. It will address a multitude of different tactics, types of attacks, and responses that will, according to the Chairman of the VCTC, "safeguard the public and minimise casualties in the event of an attack".

Prime Minister Fairfax, who has mainly left the bill in the hands of the Home Minister, weighed in shortly before the vote in parliament. "This bill isn't just a restructure of the Home Office, it is a restructure of the entire federal government. It is a restructure that is long overdue. The threat of terrorism is constantly evolving, it is always acquiring a new mask to cower behind, and every aspect of government must be appropriately equipped to respond to attacks of terror on our soil."

The controversial additions to the bill slowly melted away the wide support it had possessed originally, with many members calling it a "gross exploitation" of the Montsimmard bombings. Opposition slowly increased, especially from the Labour Party, and most unexpectedly from the Centre Democrats.

Labour leader Amber Townsend said that the bill "disregards the civil liberties of every Valentiri" and will turn the Home Office into "an Orwellian horror show". Mrs. Townsend was adamant that the entirety of the Labour party would oppose the bill and, as the results have shown, did a remarkable job keeping the party vote unified.

The Conservatives were nowhere near as unified as their historic rivals. Critique from the CUP has been lackluster, at best, and several members expressed a desire to vote in favour of the bill early on during the opening stage of today's session. There was no real attempt by leader Diane Rutherford to reign in the dissenting MAs, even going as far as to encourage members to "vote their conscience".

The vote in both houses was remarkably close, one of the closest votes seen from Parliament in a long while. In the assembly 301 members voted in favour of DIADEM, while 299 voted against the bill. The coalition gov't, which has a slim majority of 5 seats, had to rely heavily on support from members of the opposition. Of the 305 MAs on the government benches, only 280, 265 from the NLP and 15 the CDP, supported the bill. The rest of the needed votes came from the dissenting New Conservative caucus, a faction of the CUP lead by MA Rufus Kensington. The final 3 votes were acquired from Killian's Valentiri Party. Of the 299 against the bill, the majority came from the Labour and Conservative parties. 25 members of the coalition gov't also voted against the bill. Among them was the deputy leader of the CDP, Gaultier Babineaux, who was "appalled" by the bill, claiming the it is "an unconstitutional mess that is full of contradiction".

While its passage is a victory for the coalition government, especially the Home Minister, the controversial bill has alienated members of their coalition partner, the Centre Democratic Party. With a slim majority of only 5 seats yesterday's revolt will do little good for the NLP. Continued dissent from their coalition partners may very well spell the end of the first National Liberal government. It is clear that if the coalition proves incapable of keeping itself together, a vote of no confidence is more than likely within sight.

Indeed it will prove very difficult after revelations of the stark ideological differences between those sitting on the government benches. Mr. Babineaux, joined by other members of his party, has already begun calling for the CDP to withdraw from the coalition after such a "blatant attack on our progressive values". Babineaux has been very critical of Prime Minister Fairfax and other members of the National Liberals in the past and is a staunch progressive and social democrat. "It is very clear that this government does not hold the interests of the people at heart and does not share the same values and principles that we possess".

Not all within the CDP share such sentiments, however. Olivier Marchal, the leader of the CDP, made it very clear where the CDP lies, offering his undivided support to the government. "Yesterday's session was a complete embarrassment for our party. I am disappointed in the members who voted against the bill and I will remind them that this bill will save lives and keep our country safe."

Mr. Marchal, who has been the leader of the party since 2004, had previously partnered with the Labour Party to form a coalition government following the hung parliament of the 2005 assembly election. Since that government's defeat in 2010 he has been criticised by members of his party for "playing the field," a reference to the CDP's recent role as a "parliamentary kingmaker" in the past decade of elections.

The bills passage has not deterred its detractors. Several appeals have already been filed with the Supreme Court challenging its constitutionality. Chief among those filing lawsuits are the Westcliff Council for Civil Liberties (WCCL), the National Coalition Against Surveillance (NCAS), and The Young Denikerts (TYD).

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by **Caltarania** » Sun Aug 20, 2017 1:04 pm

ALTHIRIAN COUNCILWOMAN TO SPEARHEAD INTERVENTION BILL
Security Councilwoman Lygrhot Pyria will propose to the CN a peacekeeping operation and peace summit for Marirana.

Ïrdtydylr Kyrlathr Diwdiy (@DiwdiyKyrlathr)
20 August 2017 | Kesselbourg City, Kesselbourg

The councilwoman told gathered press in Kesselbourg that "peace needs to be achieved".
Photo courtesy of the Ylyath Llyr Photography Department.

KESSELBOURG CITY, KESSELBOURG -

Mere days after Premier Llyrpuld traded blows with President Avery over the situation in Marirana, Lygrhot Pyria - the Althirian Security Councilwoman - has announced the proposal of a bill to the Security Council.

"We can't, as good people, deny the decent folk of Marirana peace and security because of petty grudges between nations". Those were the words that the councilwoman spoke first at the press conference, emphasizing the fact that the insurgency in Marirana has been ongoing - in various levels of intensity - since the mid-70s. "We must work together to bring some semblance of normality to these poor people, who face government guns from the ground and Asterian bombs from the sky." she said. "Peace needs to be achieved" she said. "For all their sakes". She went on, in the press conference, to call for support from the councilmen and women on the security council in "passing a motion for a peace summit" between all actors with an interest in the region "and a peacekeeping operation" in the region to secure peace when it is achieved.

The councilwoman said she was "inspired by the actions and words of Premier Llyrpuld Lylith and Euclean Community President Alexandre Levesque"; the former having, as she described, "called out Asteria's bluff" and the latter having "an insurmountable commitment to peace, security and stability in the region". She then said that she "hoped the other delegates [of the Community of Nations Security Council] joined her in demanding a fair treatment of the people of Marirana".

The proposal is expected to be proposed to the Community of Nations council within the coming weeks; time will only tell if it passes, but many suspect that the Asterian delegate will oppose the bill strongly, and attempt to rally the other council-members to vote according to their point of view. Further, given the presence of a Mariranan delegate on the Security Council it is likely that they - supportative of their government -will oppose the proposition on the basis of their own national sovereignty. Other potential opponents have been noted in the Trusteeship Council, certain members of which may view the proposal as antithetical to the legitimacy of the nation-state which they are tasked with protecting.

Others such as the Kwitzambe non-permanent Security Council delegate Dingane Nhlakanipho and the non-permanent Gaullican delegate Iseult Berlioz are expected to be supportive of the motion. Most of the delegates are considered, however, to be "wild cards" who have either no stake in the motion or are unknown in their stances. Whatever the result of the motion, it is clear that the issues in Marirana are unlikely to leave the spotlight.

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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Sun Aug 20, 2017 8:45 pm

BACKING THE MARIRANAN GOVERNMENT IN ANYWAY WAS A MISTAKE ON O'REILLY'S PART
The disgraceful actions of the corrupt Giorgio Macciocchi and his government show why the proposed aid package is a mistake

Humphrey Dumfries - Guest Columnist (@tcdumfries)
^{20 August 2017 | Kilkelley, Glytter}

Mariranan President Giorgio Macciocchi, pictured with Alexs Walker in 2016, is accused of manipulating foreign relief funds and arming right-wing death squads.

The ever-present international dialogue of the Mariranan Crisis, or perhaps crises is more accurate given just how many there are, is inescapable. Not only has the Federation gone crusading against the cartels, but now the Community of Nations will debate formal intervention.

Althira, unsurprisingly, wishes to counter its rival at home. This is why the leftist state recently backed the left-wing Mariranan insurgents known as the Red Army and why it has petitioned the Security Council to intervene. The two are merely competing to see who is better at imperialism. I must say, the veiled diplomatic imperialism from Althira is at least refreshing, and reminds us that the Great Game rages on.

As the cooperativist and neo-conservative empires engage in a boxing match at the Community of Nations, the Euclean Community's outgoing head has offered to mediate the conflict. This now means that we have a proposed official CN effort to intervene and mediate and a Euclean offer to mediate without the intervention, or the CN. I eagerly await the Federation's response to both of these proposals, as I would be quite surprised if the Federation's government allowed such blatant interference in its sphere of influence.

All of this comes amidst a monumental political crisis that is consuming the Middle Asterian nation. As it stands, there is great uncertainty. The Mariranan President Macciochi is likely to be removed from office for corruption and his administration's role in arming right-wing death squads. The Federation's continued presence begs us to ask just when the insurgency and subsequent intervention will come to a close (let us not forget how much the Asterian Menace values its military industrial complex).

This is why the Margadh Coinbhinsiún deemed it essential to withhold support from the Mariranan Relief Bill, and it was a good thing we did. Less than a week after the legislative super session we discovered the Mariranan president was involved in embezzling foreign aid monies. Repulsive.

The bill, personally introduced by Foreign Minister Royce, had good intentions. It was intended to help the impoverished and frankly near decadent nation cope with ongoing intervention, in which hundreds have been killed including many civilians, from the Federation and its allies. It would have provided €100 million for that purpose. Thankfully, at the direction of ex-Foreign Minister and coinbhinsiún leader Casarnach, the coinbhinsiún decided it was best to investigate the matter further. And it is a damn good thing we did, otherwise the Glytteronian taxpayers would have forked over some €100 million to a corrupt and failing administration.

I voice my concerns because I genuinely want to see my Taoiseach succeed. I fear that, with friends like Macciocchi, Glytter wouldn't need enemies. On behalf of the Margadh Coinbhinsiún, I call on Minister Royce to withdraw the proposed relief bill, I call on Taoiseach O'Reilly to continue, without faltering, to distance our country from Marirana and its failed government, and I call on the international community to intervene responsibly, should it intervene at all.

We must distance ourselves from this corrupt and failed political hack and from interfering in Marirana. If you wonder why we should sit this one out, ask the Federation how many parents will never again hold their child in their arms, or how many innocent civilians the Federal Armed Forces have murdered.

If the international community wishes to turn Marirana into a failed state, it is best we do not contribute.

Humphrey Dumfries, TC for Folcthagh and Scalghan East, is the Deputy Leader of the Margadh Coinbhinsiún, the right-wring group of Liberty Party TCs. His opinions are his own, and do not represent the Glytteronian Broadcasting Federation or the Kylaris Union of Broadcasting.

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by **Alinora** » Mon Aug 21, 2017 1:37 am

ALTHIRA PUSHES FOR CN INTERVENTION IN MARIRANA
Following political strife with the Federation over the Mariranan Insurrenction, Althira has turned to the Community of Nations

Erin McKinley (@ErinMcKinley)
August 21st 2017| Freeminster, Federation

Richard Crone, the Federation's Security Councilman
Photo courtesy of James Kronnor

Community of Nations -

Just days after Premier Llyrpuld of Althira became embroiled in a diplomatic dispute with President Avery over the ongoing conflict in Marirana, Lygrhot Pyria, Althira's representative on the Security Council, announced a new proposal - one that seeks to intervene in Marirana. "We can't, as good people, deny the decent folk of Marirana peace and security because of petty grudges between nations" Councilwoman Pyria stated, "We must work together to bring some semblance of normality to these poor people, who face government guns from the ground and Asterian bombs from the sky." She would ask the men and women on the Security Council to sanction a "peace summit", and a "peacekeeping operation."

Richard Crone, the Asterian representative on the Security Council, was quick to condemn the announcement of a resolution - urging members of the Council to "think reasonably", and not to "give in to the manipulated information, and reasoning, regarding the Mariranan conflict." Paula Reichart, the Federation's main ambassador to the CN, would follow in suit - stating that "the Federation will oppose any resolution that seeks to violate the sovereignty of Marirana, and add more belligerents into an already-contorted conflict." She would go on top state that "the nations that have expressed opposition to the JDF's intervention in Marirana do not seem to have an acceptable grasp on the situation, and seem to actively refuse to accept the reality, and the nature, of the struggle. It is their belief that the Federation is suppressing freedom fighters, or something of similar nature, while this is simply not the case. The Federation is fighting terrorists and cartels - both of which are the primary causes of the destructive situation in Marirana, and responsible for not only the drug epidemic through their own country, but through Roeselle, the Federation, and indeed many countries around the world as well."

The Federation's Mission to the Community of Nations has made it clear that the Federation will oppose any bill that resembles that of which the Althiran delegation had mentioned, and "encourages" other members of the CN to "see the conflict as it is." Their statement is as follows:

The Althiran Proposal is set to hit CN floors within the next few weeks, with most sources predicting that it will fail. Still, many suggest that Althira's decision to push for intervention on CN floors in an "intelligent" one, for it is the most legally sound way of doing such. Others suggest that Althira's acts only in the interests of obstructing the Federation and the greater JDF - a clear sign that the "Great Game" is still, indeed, very much at play.

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by **Lunas Legion** » Mon Aug 21, 2017 1:25 pm

This Year's Royal Declaration

Nara I Terzouvisia - Independent Columnist (@NarJou)
^{21st August 2017 10:09 AM | Shamiramishen, Denikert}

The Palace of Zoulvisia, which houses her tomb and serves as the current home of the Terzouvisian family.
Photo courtesy of Araz Babaian.

Shamiramishen, Denikert:

Editor's Note: this piece was authored by Nara I Terzouvisia, current head of the house of Terzouvisia, and was originally published in the newspaper 'Asbarez', which is owned by Mrs Terzouvisia and has been published here with her full consent.

It has always been the tradition of the Terzouvisian dynasty to issue a yearly declaration. The tradition is old, and is supposedly derived from the scrolls that Zoulvisia herself used during her revolt against the Mumin occupation to inspire the faithful to rise against their oppressors.

Regardless, times have changed, which is why I am now typing this rather than putting quill to ink. I respect, and indeed am proud of the Republic; that does not mean, however, that traditions can be allowed to simply be discarded. I have come to find, as my mother, Mane I Terzouvisia did after her retirement from direct involvement in politics in 1994, that the yearly Royal Declaration provides a nice counterpoint to the yearly 'Condition of the Grand Republic' address that the Arrajin Hyupatos delivers each year on the 11th of January to outline their vision for the year ahead. It allows one to take a look at what progress they have made, to criticise it as needed, suggest potential alternatives, and when the member of the house of Terzouvisia is in opposition, to voice the thoughts of the opposition in a way that achieves just as much attention as the Condition of the Grand Republic address does.

Firstly, I will address the minor matter of our southern neighbour. I find it mildly amusing that they celebrate the deposition of one tyrant by parading another in the form of their military in the manner typical of arrogant autocrats.

The fact that they claim to be prepared to fight a 'modern, high-tech war' is similarly amusing. I will believe such a thing when they win one. After all, the Farsi military record is, well, abysmal. The Shah lost the 19-Day War so badly that the military removed him, so in a somewhat ironic sense, it could be considered that the Farsi are celebrating their own defeat. The Darshistan War could, at best, be considered a draw. Furthermore, it was the Farsi who first ran to a greater power for protection against us rather than vice versa

The day I'm scared of Fars is the day the sun rises in the north.

But onto other matters. Tigran Sarkissian has done a passable job this year as Arrajin Hyupatos. Although I personally believe he made the wrong choice of coalition partners, I recognise why he formed the current coalition of his own Democratic Republican Party, the Millennium Democratic Party, the Greens and the Democratic Labour Party. A majority of one in the Senat is something that should be avoided at all costs, and he has managed to balance the various factions within his coalition with commendable astuteness, even if his administration has managed nothing truly remarkable so far this year. Hopefully Mr Sarkissian manages something that he could term a legacy by the end of the year, or at least has plans for one, otherwise I fear the Condition of the Republic address may be somewhat boring and dull.

Finally, the world at large. Or at least my personal views on a few situations. The entire Mariranan situation, although distant from our nation and I fully admit to being not paticularly knowledgeable on the fact, will not be resolved by the CN. Asking anything to be resolved by the CN is like asking a drunk to put together one of those fancy pieces of flat-pack Euclean furniture. You have an end result and all the pieces are technically together, but it's nothing like what you wanted.

I'm not even going to dignify the Songhua-Nematsu situation with a comment.

The dispute over Nouveau Anglet is a personally difficult one. I respect democracy, and indeed I respect President Vallette for having enough faith in the people of Nouveau Anglet to let the decision be theirs and theirs alone; equally, however, Nouveau Anglet is a last bastion of Euclean imperialism. Personally, however, I believe that the will of the people must stand over any anti-imperialist rhetoric one might have.

Otherwise, that is all for this year's Royal Declaration.

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by **Krugmar** » Mon Aug 21, 2017 2:48 pm

A REFERENDUM EIGHTY YEARS IN THE MAKING
The referendum on the Head of State of Satucin, promised in the 1937 Constitution, and one promised by the National Unity Party in their 2010 and 2015 mandates, has come to fruition

Alceste Massé (@almasse)
^{21 August 2017 | Gatôn, Satucin}

President Elodie Pueyrredón formally announces the referendum before the Forum

After eighty years of campaigning, requesting and protesting, monarchists around Satucin can finally celebrate as the referendum they have desperately sought has been announced this morning. President Elodie Pueyrredón gave a speech before the Forum, saying that it was an issue that could no longer be ignored, especially as it was a constitutional one, and that the current government had a binding mandate from the people to hold a referendum on the issue.

The referendum, officially the Referendum on the Constitution of Satucin, is set to take place on the 10th October, and it is understood that the Forum will pass a bill turning it from an advisory referendum, the only kind the President can enact alone, into a legally binding one. In documents released after the speech, it has been revealed that the question will be: 'Do you believe the future of Satucin is as a monarchy,
or a republic?', with the two options being monarchy and republic.

As with other referendums, two officially registered campaigns will be given funds, advertisement slots, and parts in TV debates on the issue. The campaigns are, for the republic: Républicains s'unissent!, and for the monarchy: Vive la Monarchie!. There have been no major political figures declaring for either side, though it is expected that they shall over this week. The National Unity Party, Democratic Alliance, and Freedom and Liberty Party have all announced that they will not be declaring for either as a party, and members are free to choose, while Young Satucin has declared for the monarchy, and the Radical Democrats for the republic.

Théodore de Montecardé-Amédor, Duke of Amédor and the chosen candidate for the throne.

His Highness, Théodore de Montecardé-Amédor, was interviewed shortly after the speech was made. He stated that he was overjoyed that the people of Satucin were finally being given their chance the structure of the nation, and was happily shocked when he heard he was the chosen candidate for the throne should the people choose the monarchy. He finished with saying that "I believe in the people of Satucin, and I say that when they go out to make their vote, they vote based on what they believe in with all their heart. I shall fully support what they decide." It is understood that the Duke and his family will not be voting as a show of conciliation with those who favour the republic.

Crucial questions remain, will the House of Montecardé-Amédor rename, as globally the name Montecardé is still controversial. What would their titles be? Where would they take residence? What would happen to the current structure of the Union? What is the global opinion of this unique and unprecedented referendum? And when will the changes, if voted for, take place? It is expected that these questions will be answered during the referendum campaign.

A ROYAL REUNION IN COSNARAN
A visit by the Duchess of Amédor sees her reunited with her sister, the Sida of Cosnaran, and meeting with the Imer of Alesfeyn

Maoma Alagena (@malagena)
^{21 August 2017 | Biàlma, Bokela}

Imer Yuxa Alin, Duchess Ameera, and Sida Violante touring the Morosh Gardens

Today the Duchess of Amédor, Ameera de Montecardé-Amédor visited her sister, the Sida of Cosnaran, Violante de Luqan, in a short tour of the Morosh Gardens which involved the Imer of Alesfeyn, Yuxa Alin buna Azene. Afterwards they retired to Alfarat Palace, where it is understood the Duchess met with her nephew and niece, and the Sida's consort Mahamete Aburaçin.

The meeting came at an auspicious time, with a referendum being announced in Satucin on whether to keep it a republic, or make it a monarchy. While the Bokelan government has announced it favours neither side, and wishes goodwill towards the people of Satucin based on either choice, it is likely that the people of Bokela support the monarchist position, likely due to the possibility of Duchess Ameera becoming its queen.

Duchess Ameera left Bokela at the age of 25, when she became engaged to Duke Théodore de Montecardé-Amédor. Her elder sister, Sida Violante, became the Sida of Cosnraran after their father, Sidi Pequi, passed away in 2003. Since then Duchess Ameera has visited every few years, sometimes with her family and sometimes alone.

by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Sat Aug 26, 2017 12:35 pm

GLYTTER MOURNS ONE YEAR MARKER OF 23 AUGUST ATTACKS
Leaders, nation come together to remember the 87 people killed in the radical leftist attacks.

James Kelley (@jkelleygbf)
^{23 August 2017 | Spálgleann, Glytter}

The 23 August attacks devastated the Ráitherialtais and Ambasáidúiche, the former of which has yet to fully recover.

SPÁLGLEANN – One year has passed since a series of bombings and armed insurgent attacks devastated the Glytteronian capital on 23 August 2016.

Taoiseach Jimmy O'Reilly said he was "inspired every day by the resiliency of the Glytteronian people" and vowed to continue governments to counter terrorism "of all strands".

"The [23 August] attacks were a national tragedy. However, we showed that as a people we cannot be defeated, we will not give in to fear. Those responsible have been brought to justice, but we must not forget those who died in these heinous attacks" he said.

Mr. O'Reilly was in a the building in Ráitherialtai targeted in the attacks.

The first attack was on the T-Block in Ráitherialtais which was shortly followed by twin attacks on the Gaullican and Senouillcan embassies on Ambasáidúiche. The headquarters of the Póilíní Ríoga, Spálgleann's former municipal police department, was also hit by a car bomb. In addition to the targeted T-Block, which housed the offices of the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, and the Justice Ministry, several other government office buildings, such as the offices of the Petroleum and Trade Ministires, were destroyed by fires.

Both Taoiseach O'Reilly and ex-Taoiseach Alexis Walker were in the T-Block at the time of the attacks. In an interview given by Ms. Walker earlier this year, she recounted that she was actually meeting with Mr. O'Reilly when the attacks began.

"I remember seeing Jimmy and smiling and then just hearing a bang and screams and the sound of shattered glass. Then before I knew it a wall of SFB agents separated me from Jimmy and rushed me out of the building as it burned" Ms. Walker said.

His Majesty the King also mourned the attacks today in a brief television address.

"We must never forgot those who perished in the attacks. Their memory must be honored by all of us each and every day" he said.

Fighting also broke out between security forces and insurgents and lasted over two hours. There were twenty four insurgents involved in the 23 August Attacks. The military was subsequently deployed throughout the city as much of it was evacuated or placed under lock down.

In total, 87 people were killed and 432 were wounded, dozens of which with lasting injuries by the insurgents. Among the dead were the Gaullican Ambassador to Glytter, Anna Granger, and the Senoulliac Ambassador, Urbain Saint-Simmon, the husband of Senoulliac Prime Minister Vivienne Saint-Simmon.

The group behind the attack, the United Equalist Front, was defeated by the government in October 2016. Its leader, Johnny Conaghan, was sentenced to life in prison for several charges, among them were conspiring to commit treason and terrorism. In total, some fifty additional people were arrested by the government following a raid on the groups headquarters in rural Killanummery, Diabhal County.

This was the first insurgency since Revolutionary Equalist Front launched its insurgency during the 1960s and 1970s, commonly remember as Na Blianta Dorcha. Over 2,500 were killed, including many prominent political, business, and military leaders, such as Wallace P. Fitzgerald, Jr. and General Marie-Haley Mac Williams.

According to Mr. Conaghan, who was a former member of the REF, the group acted in response to the increasingly globalist positions of the Glytteronian government and the 2005 Recession. He was also a former member of the Cooperativist Party of Glytter

Like the REF, the UEF subscribes to the ideals of revolutionary equalism, an extreme ideology that believes that the transition from a capitalist to a equalist economy can only be achieved through revolution.

The UEF also carried out a car bombing in Corofin, County A and a bombing on the Meitreo Spálgleann which left twelve dead and another thirty nine wounded before being defeated.

In response to the attacks, the Walker Government introduced the the National Security Act created a new government ministry known as the Ministry of National Security. The new ministry is be tasked with overseeing the Riarachán Eolais Glítteann (REG - Glytteronian Information Administration) and the the Seirbhís Faisnéise Baile (SFB - Domestic Intelligence Service), which were formerly under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior. The Tionól also sanctioned the creation of the Higgins-Fitzwallace Commission, an independent investigative group tasked with examining the failures of the state and its agencies to detect the UEF.

The former head of the SFB, Terry MacArthur, resigned following the Commission's May report which offered strong criticism of the SFB and Mr. MacArthur for focusing too much on Salamic extremist based terrorism.

Both the Government and the Commission have remained silent on the potential involvement of the Cooperativist Party, which was been engulfed in controversy since the Justice and Interior Ministries launched a joint raid against the party's offices in September. The Justice Ministry confirmed at the time that among the documents seized are the registration of party members.

The Cooperativist Party has a history of ties to insurgent groups. During the Quasi-War and the Occupation of Glytter, the Communist Party established the United Glytteronian Front as its paramilitary wing. The UGF actively worked against the Asterian occupation until it was defeated in its 1931 uprising. Under General-Secretary Molly Reynolds, the group seized the Royal Post Office in Spálgleann and announced the establishment of the Glytteronian People's Republic. The UFG was defeated during the Battle of Seamus Street, which saw the destruction of the Royal Post Office and much of the surrounding area by the Federation's military. Reynolds was killed and her deputy was captured and executed by the Asterians. As a result, the UFG's chain of command collapsed and the group was effectively dissolved. The Cooperativist Party would continue to operate, but remained unpopular and failed to gain any seats in the Tionól.

As both Minister of Justice and Taoiseach, Mr. O'Reilly has refuted calls to outlaw to Cooperativist Party.

"That would be a fundamental attack on the right to both assembly and freedom of speech and though" he said last year when discussing a potential ban.

However, a leaked document from the Justice Ministry indicates that several UEF members were also registered members of the Cooperativist Party, making things more difficult. The Higgins-Fitzwallace Commission has confirmed that one of its reports will focus exclusively on the Cooperativist Party and its members, but have not disclosed when that report would be published.

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by **The Ik Ka Ek Akai** » Sun Aug 27, 2017 8:26 pm

CATCH THE WAVE
As the windy season rolls in and waves grow exponentially, a traditional contest returns to test the waters

Kai Ao'a ( @KlauTele )
28 07 2017 9:30 PM | Makuahine, Celestial Isles

An indigenous surfer from Me'a'au competes for the title in a growing competition
Photo courtesy of Keanu La'au.

MAKUAHINE, CELESTIAL ISLES - Surfing is a sport many know around the world, but not many are aware of its origins.
Starting as an indigenous sport in Sublustria, surfing has been recorded internationally in Yocatullic communities afar as early as the 16th century. The practice itself is first mentioned in Hong Dynasty documents from the 15th century. The earliest surfers made their own boards up to twelve feet long, crafted by hand from tropical woods. Many crafted them from palm trees growing near the beach, because these trees were associated with the water and the waves due to their bending towards the sea. Sandalwood boards were also used. Mahogany boards were known from the Celestial Isles, the only native source of mahogany in Sublustria.

Traditionally, surfers would be decorated with elaborate tattoos relating to their sportsmanship and athleticism. Similar tattoos could be earned from other sports, including stick-and-ball games and even other variants of surfing. One example of a variant on surfing is what is commonly called in Estmerish "land surfing", and in Yocatullic as "Heruhola". Heruhola is very similar to surfing, but the board has "skis" affixed to it and is traditionally used to sled down hills and rocky inclines. One's skill in it was determined by their swiftness in dodging rocks and debris on the wave down, as well as the speed at which they came down. The first one to reach the bottom was the winner, though one-at-a-time variants were present and popular as well which followed similar rules but using an arbiter to keep time. The practice of granting successful athletes tattoos of honor is not only because tattoos commemorate skill and talent in any given field, but also because athletes were representatives of their tribe in intertribal competitions. A successful athlete brought great honor and prestige to their tribe, and so they were highly prized almost as much as a great warrior.

The sport of surfing had been known beyond Sublustria for quite a while, but it only truly gained popularity in the 20th century. In the early century, wealthy tourists who had observed Sublustrians surfing took up the practice at their own beaches. The sport did not gain traction, however, until after the Great War. During the Great War, Yocatullic volunteers abroad would surf in their free time when near the coast or even rough rivers. Observers joined in, and learned from the islanders. Just as the Yocatullic warriors returned home with new ideas, the soldiers would return home with a new sport. It didn't take much time for the sport to catch on with the civilian populace as well, and from there it's all history!

These days, the Celestial Isles has expanded its traditional competitions to foreigners as well. While historically the widest competition they had was across the twelve tribes of the confederation, the modern contests are accessible to anyone willing to participate. Professional surfing is an active and popular sport, more than many major media sources will admit, and it continues to grow every day. Annual professional surfing contests are a huge surge of income for The Isles, which collects entry fees, sponsorship income, ticket sales, and profit from hotel guests. Furthermore, the scenic nature, beautiful beaches, rich and vibrant culture, and crystal clear water are also noted by competitors and observers each year, and they spread the word. This provides a neat boost to tourism as an added benefit. People coming to The Isles just to surf, some to practice for competitions and some just for fun, are yet another small economic boost, having a similar effect to the coming of the contest on a much smaller scale. Some surfers, often those who are deeply in love with the sport for fun's sake and consider themselves "down to earth", have even become permanent citizens of the Celestial Isles, bypassing what is often considered a difficult migration and adjustment for the sake of what they love. Some humanitarian volunteers in The Isles, concentrated mostly in the smaller islands, have taken to the sport as well. The wide appeal of surfing just goes to show why the sport has survived for so long!

Surfing has had a wide cultural on the outside world. Apart from becoming closely associated with pristine beaches and "cool",
"chill" culture, surfing has inspired new art, as well as the spread of Sublustrian art. Sublustrian geometric designs and animal styles are popular choices for decorating surfboards. The famed animation studio Oranirani has featured surfing and surf culture in some of their movies, and has even made films within the sports genre about surfing. A special type of music, surf rock,
has become synonymous with surf culture and even sees popularity in the Celestial Isles. Many people of Yocatullic ethnicity abroad,
both from well-established communities and recent transplants, can proudly display their skills and tattoos to outsiders. Furthermore, those seeking to be more connected with surf culture can look to artists from these communities for tattoos and boast genuineness and indigenous support, where going to a Euclean, Coian, or Asterian artist would not carry the same degree of authenticity.

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by **Vredlandia** » Wed Aug 30, 2017 10:45 am

Daily Vredlandian Special: Selection of the Holy Father

Anton Graf Flottreiter (@grafflottreiter)
30th of August, 2017 | Eldburg, Vredlandia

Holy Father Jakobus died on the 21st of August
Photograph courtesy of Johan Merse

Eldburg, Vredlandia - The selection of a Holy Father is the most significant duty of every Vredlandian's lifetime. Now that our most recent Holy Father has unfortunately left the realm of men, the Daily Vredlandian will show you through the most significant details.

Who died?

Holy Father Jakobus died peacefully at the age of 91 in his residence, as the Seneschal announced. He started his service very early, with only 42. He began his service as the second youngest Holy Father and ended it as the longest reigning. During his long years of service, he oversaw many changes. His heart was always devoted to the weak and disadvantaged -- only three years ago he spontaneously declared that the Church would not discriminate against homosexuals, and that they were welcome to marry in his Church. The National Assembly introduced the legal groundwork for it soon after. Criticism of Jakobus was rare, but one criticism he had to endure all his service was about his reluctance towards Gaullica particularly and the Euclean Community as a whole.

What's next?

After every Holy Father's death, the Seneschal has to organise the selection of a new one. The selection will officially begin a fortnight after the last one's death with a ritual burning. The National Guard's State Orchestra will play a rendition of several songs -- Traditionally the Holy Father will have chosen a song to end the rendition with; the Seneschal's office confirmed that Jakobus did the same. Vredlandia's elite will be invited to attend the event, and afterwards the site is allowing citizens to pay their respect to the deceased Holy Father. The first round of the selection always starts on the Sunday after a ritual burning, which will be the tenth in this case. The new Holy Father should be elected by the 22nd of October.

How is the new Holy Father selected?

On the 10th of September, Vredlandia's twelve regional churches will begin taking nominations from their subordinate local churches. You can only nominate fellow citizens from your own Church district. On the 24th of September, the members of each regional Church will be invited to vote on their favourite - regional and local churches may back candidates, but candidates may not receive donations at this time nor can they run advertisements - and from those twelve candidates, who may now receive donations and run advertisements, two will be chosen on the 8th of October in a nationwide election. Theoretically, the candidate could be elected on that date, but so far no candidate in history has been elected in the first round. A final "match" between the two remaining candidates will occur on the 22nd. The winner of that round will start their service as new Holy Father at the start of the next month, after they have received an introduction to the office by the Seneschal or the Primus Inter Pares of the Vredlandian Church.

Primus Inter Pares of the Vredlandian Church?

The Archbishop of Eldburg will automatically become Primus Inter Pares after the death of a Holy Father, and will take on the duties of the same until a new one has been elected. Currently that's Archbishop Krahler.

What should I do?

You should make sure to go out and vote! This may be a duty you only have once in a lifetime, and it's the most sacred of all.

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Thu Aug 31, 2017 6:07 pm

DO NOT CONSIDER THE YOCONUT
Euclean Health Ministry, under Health Minister Richard James, seeks to ban the importation of 'Yoconuts' into the Community on grounds of 'tropical disease', 'scarcity of the resource' and 'ties to cross-island warfare'.

Antoinette Giourd (@agiourd)
^{1 September 2017 | Kota Sebuku, Gaullica}

The 'Yoconut' is speculated to be directly involved in around 150 deaths a year, solely through falling on individuals. Its death rate by consumption and transmission of tropical bacteria is not yet known.
Photo courtesy of someone concerned with the precarious 'Yoconut'

Kesselbourg City, Kesselbourg

During a session of proposing legislation today in the Euclean Parliament, Minister Richard James (SAE), noted for his response to the Songguo Bird Flu Epidemic a few months ago, proposed another ban on produce bill. Not unlike the one drafted against the Bird Flu, Mr. James' bill seeks to tackle a similar issue from an unlikely source: the Celestial Isles. The Isles are known across Euclea for rather high-quality, if scarce, local agricultural produce such as cocoa, several species of exotic fish, game (predominantly boar and fowl) and some culinary spices. They are also known for their own derivative of the Coconut, colloquially called the "Yoconut".

The Yoconut is exported to a few Euclean nations, in numbers that are not particularly astounding due to the limited growth space available on the Celestial Isles. They are a popular health food and are often imported to be turned into Yoconut Oil, Milk or Water - or for flavourings in biscuits, chocolates and cakes. However, following a routine inspection check on imported agricultural products, as outlined by the Euclean Agricultural Initiative, some percentages of the imported crop failed to meet Euclean Health and Safety Standards. Several of the crop were found to be contaminated by harmful tropical bacteria and others were beset by small insects and parasites, largely due to the lack of pesticides used by the islander people.

In response to this, Euclean Health Minister Richard James proposed the aforementioned bill to parliament. It outlined that the importing of yoconuts, and perhaps even by extension all Celestial Isles products (though he noted their others were up to Euclean quality), were a potential 'health risk' in Euclean states. His bill would seek to increase the budget of port authorities by a small margin to assist in the necessary management of the produce, in addition to an outlining of fines for the continued "importing of the produce from the isles."

In addition to this he mentioned that the production of the Yoconut itself was a cause for concern, and that the Isle's limited area does not bode well for the sustainability for the crop. It also came in addition to the recent news of cross-tribal warfare, reported by the Isle's media outlet. Many have begun to fear that a growing purchase of Celestial Isle's goods would fund these 'traditional' skirmishes.

Minister James was reported to have said that "this is the potential beginning of a tropical disease cultivation in Euclean supermarkets and people if not dealt with properly. It is a shame to have to propose this measure to such a new, exotic and rising state and market - but the Community remains adamant that people's lives come before profit and trade. It is with this I ask, 'Do Not Consider the Yoconut'.

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by **The Ik Ka Ek Akai** » Thu Aug 31, 2017 9:10 pm

OLD HABITS DIE HARD
With the recent proposed ban on Yoconuts™, Yocatullic people speak up about how the Euclean world sees them

Kai Ao'a ( @KaoTele )
01 09 2017 9:30 PM | Makuahine, Celestial Isles

Euclean wearing false representation of Sublustrian culture
Photo courtesy of the internet

MAKUAHINE, CELESTIAL ISLES - The Euclean Health Ministry under Richard James has lately pushed for a total ban on Yocatullic products to the continent. He has stated that the exported Yoconuts™ failed to meet health regulations, and though he states that other products appear to meet the quality standard, they are to be potentially included in the ban. Fears of tropical diseases infecting the populace of Euclea are rising from the given report, but how much of this is legitimate and how much is simply a byproduct of the global view of the Celestial Isles?

The Celestial Isles is a tropical island nation, one of the largest in Sublustria, and the only indigenous power to not be colonized.
It lacks the infrastructure of the Euclean nations to mass produce its crops, and the people there have kept up their traditional harvesting methods that have been known in Sublustria for millennia. Goods from The Isles include taro, coconuts, cocoa, vanilla,
mahogany, and some traditional arts. It is known even more, however, for its vibrant tourism industry where foreigners are given the opportunity to explore its pristine rainforests, beautiful beaches, and ancient culture in person. Although the people of the Celestial Isles have traditionally been wary of outsiders, it is said that tourists are treated with great kindness and respect, although the same is not always given in return to the islanders.

Yocatullic people abroad often belong to communities established long ago, between the 15th and 17th centuries. The highest concentrations of Yocatullic people beyond Sublustria are typically in either the Song Empire, or in Gaullophonic regions like Roeselle and Gaullica proper. These communities tend to remain somewhat insular, retaining some traditional practices while also learning the local language and integrating into the local workforce. Many Yocatullic people abroad, however, say that they do not choose to be isolated, but rather they are forced to by public opinion. According to Yocatullic sources abroad, discrimination, prejudice, and insensitivity are widespread in several major host countries that, by the Euclean standard, are meant to be fair and just.

"They would stop me in the streets" says Francois Honu, "When I was young, older kids would approach me and stop me. They would shout at me, saying 'cannibal' and 'savage', and the teachers did nothing." Francois's family has been in Gaullica since the 18th century, but he says that his community is shuttered out. "When I was going into secondary education, on the first day a teacher stopped me in the hall. She pulled me by my hair and cut it until I was bald. She cut my lock, and I had to go home to my parents and explain what happened." To the Yocatullic people, one's hair is sacred. Long and well-kept hair is an important part of Yocatullic culture, and boys such as Francois will often wear a single long braid or a single length of hair starting either on their scalp, or at the back or their head. This scalplock indicates to many a certain status, and maturity. To be stripped of it is an utmost violation of dignity, and involuntarily cutting someone's hair is a serious crime in the Celestial Isles. Francois never saw justice for the violation of his person, and was instead told he needed to adapt to the Gaullican style.

Moana Oto, a woman also from Gaullica, remarks that she was often teased by Euclean girls in her grade. She was frequently reported for misbehavior, though she remarks that she was never the instigator. "The girls would sit behind me, pull my hair, whisper mean things to me- when I told them to stop, the teacher would tell me I had disrupted the class." Moana moved to a different town for secondary education, but there she says things only got worse. "They didn't pull my hair anymore, but they whispered and stared when I walked by. They called me 'pagan' and told me to go back to my 'mud hut in the jungle'. Some people asked me what Estmerish people taste like." One day, Moana was physically attacked. She suffered a broken arm, a black eye, and lost her last baby tooth. "The councilor told me to stop starting fights, he assumed I started it because my people are 'violent' and 'tribal', he said I needed to become more Gaullican."

Both have witnessed cultural appropriation as well. Francois recalls a time an offensive costume was worn, "It was a costume party,
so of course everybody came in a costume. One guy, he walked in, his entire body painted brown with blue swirls. He wore a skirt and said he was putting on makeup before painting turtles and birds on his face. Everyone laughed as he did a ballet twirl and called it a haka. He kept making jokes about us all night, and when I finally told him to stop, everyone called me illiberal, and a snowflake. I left the party at that point."

Moana sits, meanwhile, counting the amount of people trying to turn her culture into a fashion statement. "I've seen guys with tattoos, and I'll ask them, 'hey, where did you get those' and he'll say some tattoo shop, and I'll say 'do you know what they mean' and he'll list things like power and honor and stuff, and I'll ask 'but did you earn them' and he'll just laugh. I've seen girls wearing Yocatullic patterns for purses and dresses, turning idols of our gods into necklaces and bracelets. I ask them to tell me the god they're wearing and they'll just say things like 'puputoto' and 'mamahita' and random sounds that make no sense. It's completely insensitive, what if I wore a cross and said 'oh yeah I love Baguette de la Rue', it's just insulting."

Yocatullic people are stereotypically associated with filth, poverty, and savageness. Some have begun to question whether the main motivation for banning Yoconuts™ is actually based in racism and stereotypes much more than actual contamination. "What about organic food?" questions one source, who prefers to stay anonymous, "They don't use pesticides at all, and nobody is trying to ban them!" Another source says, "How does coating an entire field of crops in poisons PROVEN to be toxic to humans make it somehow better to eat than homegrown goods consumed daily by thousands upon thousands of people?"

A third anonymous source states, "Why ban all crops? You admitted yourself that only the Yoconuts™ were in question, so why ban everything? That's just going to harm the people who rely on their crops for income!" The source elaborates, "Furthermore,
you say you're worried about the proceeds from these sales going to fund tribal warfare, but this will only make things worse!
You're not stopping tribal warfare, you're just taking the money out of the hands of honest farmers trying to avoid violence and make a good and honest living. The money you spend on these products goes to good people looking to make their lives and their communities better."

"Why not ban tourism, then?" asks Catherine Petu, "Why not ban migrants who send remittances back to their homes? Why not ban all travel to the area entirely? If taking their crops off the market is apparently beneficial, why isn't isolating them entirely a good thing? The points raised by Mr. James are inconsistent, and clearly based in traditional prejudices and attitudes reflecting negative stereotypes about the Yocatullic people."

Ms. Petu is a long-standing advocate for Yocatullic rights and awareness in foreign lands. She works day and night to counter myths and stereotypes and to give the Yocatullic people a good name. "People don't understand our culture and our traditions, they just point and call us savages. They objectify us, they commodify us, and now they call our food unfit for consumption when their own farmers are doing the same things!" She says, "It's outrageous the things some people will come up with to try to justify their hatred of the Yocatullic people and our homeland. Our people have been growing and consuming these crops for thousands of years, and no bigot is going to convince us that it's suddenly unfit. Are Eucleans too good to be eating our food? Are they better than us? They sure act like it when we join their institutions!"

"I call on my people to buy these products in greater numbers than ever before!" She cries out, "We won't let the Eucleans keep stomping on us and our culture, we will aid our homeland and they can't stop us." Ms. Petu calls back to an earlier time, "When Kohatuwaoa first landed in Gaullica, what he saw was barbaric- the peasants were under deep oppression, many were slaves under the boot of the uncaring aristocracy. punishments for even minor crimes were brutal. The people starved in filth while the king bathed in berries. If people all at once stopped buying the crops of the farmers, would that benefit any party? From what I recall, the last time such an economic shift happened in the Eucleosphere, it gave rise to roaming bands of bandits and outlaws terrorizing the populace of the country. Only when wealth was injected back into the region did the violence end and prosperity begin."

"We're people, just like you." she states, starting to finish her speech, "We catch the same diseases, eat the same foods, and have the same needs, so why do you see it fit to deprive the Celestial Isles of its trade? What about this makes you think that, unlike in any other country, this won't lead to poverty and, by extension, even more violence? You don't understand our culture, and instead of addressing our problems and lending a helping hand, you seek to marginalize us. Instead of giving aid and helping development, you seek to shut us off from your world and turn a blind eye. We won't stand for it, Minister James."

The crowd she speaks to cheers for her, and she looks over her supporters. Many are gathered to show their faith and belief that she can change society, to give the Yocatullic people a proper home in the Euclean world, a place where they will not be assaulted and discriminated against. A place where stereotypes will not define who they are. Although many in the crowd have voiced their fear for the seeming predominance locally of Natfunc elements, with the rights of minorities called into question, sexism in the parliament, and a zealous crusade held to instill a strong and unified faith to the disparagement of religious minorities, they feel strong and united when collected like this. "This, this unity, this strength in being together, this is what keeps us alive" Ms. Petu says,
to another roar of applause. "They pushed us into a corner, but when we are together, we can turn that corner into a home, and we can support each other in the face of their pushing." She pauses, and utters her finishing line.

"Minister James, do not pass that bill."

All she asks, it seems, is that people do consider the Yoconut™ after all.

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by **Caltarania** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 5:15 am

COUNCIL OF ERUDITES ANNOUNCES LIST OF SAVANT CANDIDATES
Over a month on, animosity between religious factions in the Council has finally been overcome.

Kyeuridylr Yrüygbyr Lother (@YrüygbyrLother)
4 September 2017 | Hryth Llyr, Althira

One of the few non-Althirian candidates considered for the position, Dana Bartoš could be the first Ostrozskan Savant.
Photo courtesy of the Ylyath Llyr Photography Department.

HRYTH LLYR, ALTHIRA -

An announcement from the Holy Site of Hryth Llyr today will put to rest fears of a possible schism in the Lotherist faith, and will lighten the hearts of the country's faithful.

The death of Savant Diyweth over a month ago shocked the nation; despite his advanced age, he was thought to be in stable condition. What shocked the nation more was the announcement that the Council of Erudites had yet to compile a list of candidates for his replacement. For those unaware, in the Lotherist faith, the position of Savant is elected by the clergy from a list of candidates from the clergy that have been approved by the Council of Erudites. On this occasion, however, long-standing splits in the council between Literalists and Interpretationists - two theological factions within the faith who disagree on the correct interpretation of Saint Lother's writings - had caused a break-down in orderly conduct within the Council.

The gridlock created in the council had worried many, who feared that the previously hidden tensions would bubble to the surface in earnest and threaten a schism within the faith. Thankfully, this was not the case. Through the actions of those few councilmen and women who were neutral in the theological debate, an agreement was reached on a list of potential candidates for the position of Savant. No doubt, due to the conditions of it's creation, the list is one of the more peculiar to have been released by the Council in recent times. It is also among the longest of the lists with the greatest variety of candidates to have ever been released.

Among the more interesting candidates on the list is Coadjutor Yorge - a known proponent of inter-faith dialogue - who's position as Coadjutor of a parish within inner-city Ark sets him apart from the other candidates. Another intriguing candidate is Dana Bartoš - the Prior of a minor monastery located in Ostrozska - who is the only candidate for the position of Savant to not reside in Althira itself. Were she to be elected, she would become the first Ostrozskan - and first non-Althirian - Savant.

It would seem that, among all candidates, a somewhat common theme is their willingness to open dialgue with those they disagree with, and a capability of all candidates to mediate between two differing sides. This, no doubt, is a direct result of the previous gridlock in the Council of Erudites. They are now searching for a Savant who can try to bridge the gap within the faith; and so they have chosen candidates who, by and large, excel at bridging gaps.

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by **Vredlandia** » Mon Sep 04, 2017 2:37 pm

Kloth Confirms Rumours As His Reform Alliance Gains Ground: "Will Resign If We Lose The Referendum"

Anton Graf Flottreiter (@grafflottreiter)
4th of September, 2017 | Eldburg, Vredlandia

Seneschal Kloth has outsized the issue and made it about everything - and it's working
Photograph courtesy of Johan Merse

Eldburg, Vredlandia - Around a month ago, right after the reform bill had been released to the citizenry, they were united in their disdain for it. An extraordinary 68% of Vredlandians agreed that the reform bill should be buried or at least weakened. Only 12% stood firmly behind it. Now, with the referendum coming soon, the tides have nearly turnt and analysts are tumbling in their search for a reason behind the sudden surge. Small details show some of the dynamic behind the campaign though, and Seneschal Kloth is adding more fire to it less than a week before the referendum.

"No", the Seneschal said calmly, "there would be no resignation before a new Holy Father has been found". He's sitting at his favourite restaurant with a few lucky journalists, the usual lunch table, two slices of garlic bread laying untouched before him. "But if we don't get the reform bill through, there is only one logical consequence."

Seneschal Kloth is more dramatic than fits him at times. This is one of the times. While the journalists nod, he sits at the table and relives his career, going into detail whenever he feels it'd look good in a news story about him. Over his years, he has learnt when journalists only scribble on their notebooks to not be rude. He will sigh very loudly then, a signal for every journalist who knows him that he'll almost immediately shortcut to his actual message. And so he does again: "What I have learned during my career is that no matter the cost, not advancing would cost us more on the long run. The referendum is about Vredlandia and where it stands in Euclea -- It is also about where I stand in Vredlandia. The media is portaying this to be my downfall, they talk us down for the sake of their own economic benefit - I still strictly believe that we will win, and that it'll be my legacy. A democratic referendum about a better future for Vredlandia."

That was earlier today. And while my colleagues and myself chatted with the Seneschal for vital last-minute campaign information, the Institute for Democratic Dialogie released the latest shocker-survey: 46% of Vredlandians would likely vote for the reform bill if the referendum were held today. And now he's making this referendum about himself, with all the uncertainty in the air after the Holy Father's death. Had he done so right at the start, that might not even have played a role by now anymore. But no matter what he really waited for with announcing his intent to resign if he loses the referendum, this unforeseen change of situation surely made the wait worth it. As ruthless as that sounds, it couldn't have come at a better time for Kloth.

It's going to be interesting seeing how much more ground they can gain beyond these 46%. At the very least, they're already trying to build a new case on the survey's basis. One of Kloth's staunchest allies tweeted almost nearly after the survey was publicly released that the Seneschal was right in his interview with us - The media is dishonest, Kloth isn't, and this survey shows just that. The fight can still be won. It doesn't matter that Kloth may have said just that because earlier the very same day, he got early access to the survey results. It doesn't matter to him and his allies at least. "That's fully unrelated", they say.

This "us against them" mentality might be of an advantage to Seneschal Kloth in the referendum, but those who truly believe in it underestimate the Seneschal. Raivo Kloth plays with the media and uses it for his own benefit far better than, say, charismatic Franz Grunwald or the singing Woywod. When Kloth's critics doubled down on their rhetoric nearly every day, trying to get the Seneschal out of his corner, many of my colleagues gloatingly called him "weak", "disastrously mute", even "politically dead". Kloth's statement about the Euclean Community didn't give him any better stand in Eldburg, neither with his colleagues in the National Assembly nor with mine in the media.

But what my colleagues fail to realise is that this is exactly the situation Seneschal Kloth wanted - and needed. Ethnic Weranians are strong in the National Assembly and the Cabinet, but they only account for approximately 45% of all Vredlandians. The rest are mostly what we so arrogantly describe as "Vreden" - The Bjerven and Otti, Möllska, Travve. When Minister Grunwald's attacks on the Seneschal were in the headlines every day, that wasn't brave or cunning for them, it was a display of Weranian arrogance. The Euclean Community doesn't stand for Kesselbourg and loss of sovereignty for them, but for freedom and justice and no discrimination. Sometimes even for the broad word "future" alone. And of course, when they read that their Seneschal (of Bjerven origin) is going to suffer a major defeat, but then talk to their fellows about it and see surveys indicating otherwise, they will get angry at the "lying, Weranian media" trying to take down Kloth.

It's a risky game of Kloth to divide Vredlandia like that. The Vreden feel as Vredlandians just like the Weranians do, but they just don't feel at home in "this Vredlandia". That has only been the case once, right after the Great War. What if Kloth loses - which even the most favourable surveys still indicate - the referendum? Or if he wins, but his reform deeply hurts those who trusted him? Both would do significant damage to a unified and democratic Vredlandia and should be avoided at all costs.

At our lunch I asked the Seneschal about those two outcomes. He laughed and took a first bite of his bread. "Let's make sure that's not the outcome then."

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 5:07 am

EUCLEAN MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SAFETY DEFENDS ITS POSITION
Minister Richard James (Estmere, SAE): "The Ministry cannot bend to the emotional outcry of the Yocatullic people; the Community has strict rules and guidelines for health and safety and it is my job to make sure that they are enforced."

Antoinette Giourd (@agiourd)
^{5 September 2017 | Kesselbourg City, Kesselbourg}

Health and Safety Minister, Richard James, was a member of the Estmerish Parliament before he became a Euclean Minister.
Photo courtesy of Dennis Skinner.

Kesselbourg City, Kesselbourg

Following an outcry by the Yocatullic people in response to the proposal made by Minister Richard James to ban the yoconut based on failing health regulations, the Celestial Isles and the Euclean Community have come to odds. An article by Kai Ao'a has illustrated that many Yocatullic people have felt isolated and belittled in their communities. This has shown the odds of cultures, societies and mentalities of these two distinct people' and even in Euclea there is not as much uniformity as let on. Health Minister James has issued several statements defending his proposal and has highlighted the emotive responses given to try to sway populaces away from a concrete health strategy.

"First and foremost I need to address this misconception that suddenly we're going to 'ban' all Yocatullic products. This is simply not true. Whilst it was said that it 'could lead', or it would 'perhaps lead to', it is not accurate. I take my job entirely seriously and whilst there will need to be a more vigilant approach to the handling of Yocatullic produce and more observation on them, we do not propose bans on commodities that have not breached our health and safety regulations."

"There is also this emotive issue in how we are condemning the Celestial Isles to economic depravity by doing this, when it is in fact the opposite. The Euclean Community is the largest investor within the Celestial Isles in terms of providing a good, modern education system and in terms of investment for sustainable and environmentally friendly economic practices. We must remember that it was the Gaullican government who took it upon itself to sue an entire logging company for its illegal activities within the Celestial Isles."

He would continue saying that; "It is a shame that we have come to such a hostile view, and I'm sure that the governments of the people that have put forward their issues in Kai Ao'a's article will do the best they can to amend these grievances. However, I cannot alter my position. I was placed here due to my commitment to the public health of all and because of the culture, practices and ideals of the Yocatullic People, who have not taken to using pesticides on their products - which can have many health benefits, might I add - have come to our shores riddled with insects and disease. We cannot realistically allow them in, I cannot allow them in, it is not on my conscience to allow a pandemic of tropical disease. The Ministry cannot bend to the emotional outcry of the Yocatullic people; the Community has strict rules and guidelines for health and safety and it is my job to make sure that they are enforced."

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by **Kisinger** » Tue Sep 05, 2017 6:56 am

DIRECTOR FORCED TO RESIGN FOLLOWING ABSTENTION SCANDAL
Director Yuda Suryadi was forced to resign today following the deadlock she caused in the Directorate

Hamdani Kuwat @kuwathamdani
July 21st 2017| Kota Merdeka, Negara

Photo courtesy of Agung Ary Santoso.

Kota Merdeka -

Today after a long wait from the Directorate, the Director Yuda Suryadi, resigned today following a long debate within the Directorate and the Negaran Assembly calling for the end of her tenure as Director, however due to the constitutional limits endowed on both the Assembly and Directorate she could remain on the Directorate till next month when elections begin. Instead she announced her resignation sparking a new debate within the assembly of what to do.

Her resignation, while a shock, is definitely for the better seeing as how her popularity had reached an all time low and was appearing to begin dropping further and further down and with minor protests held in front of her residence and in Capital Square. With her resignation also comes the added benefit of the Directorate being able to move forward with discussing the end to the Puala Emerald diplomatic squabble and ensuring somewhat of a normal trend to the Directorate rather than the gridlock that it has been stuck in for the last few weeks. Enabling it to actually properly represent the people of Negara and with that being able to push forward the ideals of the people.

Now that the Directorate is short a member, the Assembly within the next week will be able to select a replacement for her, many members have the assembly have been leaning to Joshua Kemit, the upstart hardliner who has in achieved a lot of fame recently due to his more recent ‘Gaullicans are Dirty Imperialists,’ which an excerpt will be included at the end of this article, however there is also some leanings to the more diplomatically inclined Sugiarto Slamet, a man who has taken up Jida Ambonta’s cause for diplomacy and has become very popular among the Negaran Party for Social Equality.

While the Directorate has apparently begun to debate calling for elections a month early, not much else has come out of them as the last full session of the Negaran Assembly was held yesterday, the last one required for all members of the assembly to attend before elections truly begin.

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by **The Ecclesiastical State of Tibernum** » Wed Sep 06, 2017 11:20 am

HIS HOLINESS EXPRESSES DESIRE TO MEDIATE IN MARIRANAN CONFLICT.
Joseph: "As we should have done long ago, the faith should come to meditate these desires. Too much blood has been spilt, too many lives ruined."

Julio Mendez (@MENDEZJ)
^{6 September 2017| Tibernum, The Ecclesiastical State}

In these times of trouble in Marirana, even women and children are being pushed to the forefront of a bloody conflict.
Photo courtesy of Enrico Maxwell

Tibernum, The Ecclesiastical State -

"A spectre haunts Asteria Superior - the spectre of narcotics. Its hand outstretched, it has grasped and held onto the needy and sick and poor and with its effects convinces them that nothing but it is the key to a good,
happy and fulfilled life. This poltergeist of the passions currently embroils Marirana in a bitter civil conflict, a fight that pitches brother against brother, father against son - and even now; mother and daughter are dragged into the fray because of amoral greed and fixation on opiods." These were the words of Pope Joseph as he delivered a speech mid mass.

The words, extracted from a larger speech he titled "The Charity of Man", highlight a shift in policy that has been a long time coming. Ever since the mid 20th century, the Ecclesiastical State has kept to its own in terms of direct state intervention, letters, visits, the informal requests were the only way the Popes found it fitting to discuss the faith with others. No longer could she, in theory, be the medieval power-broker who held her sceptre in one hand and a crossbow in the other. Yet however a gradual successive change has developed, of a Papacy more willing to intervene on behalf of its perceptions of social justice. Such callings were done in genocides and disease struck areas. Many have seen this come to fruition with the latest conflict in Marirana.

"The Faith must spend a decisive time now assisting where it can in Marirana. For too long have we been complacent in watching this travesty take place. We hear stories from supporters of both sides, sensationalised and justified in their words. I care little for the immense technicalities. What I care for is that men, women, children - they are dying without want or abandon in Marirana. There is evil in many places; some more prevalent than others. But what I see in Marirana is a war spurred on longer than it ever should have - which is to say, it should never have come about - fuelled by the tenacity, greed and evil of narcotics producers."

Joseph would conclude his sermon amidst the mass with; "Marirana is a land of the faithful and not only must we pray for a peaceful resolution; I wish to express my interest in helping mediate an end to the conflict.
It is my calling to act here and I'm sure the Lord, our God, guides me in this venture to bring peace and love back to the forefront."

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by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Wed Sep 06, 2017 1:52 pm

SEPTEMBER CULTURAL FEST CELEBRATES DIVERSITY, UNITY, MILLENNIUM
Spálgleann's annual festival is already well underway, with much to come over the next month.

Nessie MacRae (@nessiegbf)
^{6 September 2017 | Spálgleann, Glytter}

The Royal Glytteronian Military Tattoo, which takes place at Clochnoc Fortress, is the single largest event during the capital's month long cultural festival.

SPÁLGLEANN – Celebrations have descended upon the capital city as the September Cultural Festival is underway.

The festival, which lasts from the first Saturday of September to the fourth Saturday of September every year, was launched at city hall on Saturday by acting Acting Laird Mayor Nuala Ní Raghallaigh and His Majesty the King.

Thousands of tourists from across Glytter and the world are expected to descend on Spálgleann. Last year it is estimated that some 750,000 visitors attended the festival, which occurred in the wake of the 23 August Attacks.

The celebrations are put on by various organizations unrelated to each other, and so are officially separate events. However, they are regarded by many visitors as part of the same event; and together they form the largest annual cultural festival in the world.

The original, and still the largest, component festivals are the Spálgleann International Festival (SIF) and the Royal Spálgleann Festival (The Royal); the latter is in its own right larger than any other similar event in the world.

The Royal Glytteronian Military Tattoo also takes place during the September Festival at Clochnoc Fortress and draws over ten thousands spectators each year, including the Glytteronian Royal Family and many prominent political and cultural figures. The Military Tattoo is set to take place from 15 to 17 September, with ticket sales a record high.

The Ministry of Culture plays a significant role in promoting the celebrations and usually coordinates a theme with the various groups. This year, the theme is Diversity and Unity. Celebrations will feature other cultures in addition to the native Ghaillish for the first time in the festivals twenty seventh run. Performers from countries such as Gaullica, Negara, Songguo, and even the Celestial Isles have been invited to attend.

Minister of Culture Dónal Mac Diarmaid said he was "enthused" about the planned celebrations and said that they were a "testament to the beauty of Ghallish and Glytteronian culture" while Taoiseach Jimmy O'Reilly said the "historic inclusivity" of the festival showed "the inherent tolerance of Glytteronian society".

Many high profile Glytteronian artists will also be performing at an outdoor palace held on the lawns of St. Ellen's Palace. The open-air concert was previously held at Dónall Ó Conaill Memorial Park but entered into an agreement with the Royal Household Trust, the body which manages royal properties on behalf of the King. The concert, which takes place on 9 September will be headlined by Síl and the Duchess. No Direction, the group of which the Duke of Bulfawst belongs, was originally going to be headlining the concert but ended up pulling out.

Also unlike past years, His Majesty the King will be personally hosting the event. According to the Palace, he will be joined by HRH the Duke of Bulfawst, HRH the Duchess of Snarksburgh, HH the Duchess of Clyte, HH the Duchess of Invertwinc, TH the Earl and Countess of Barraerach, HH the Prince Elton, among other senior and extended members of the Royal Family.

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